How to Stop Reading a Book

Published in 1866, 'Crime and Punishment' is a psychological novel set in St. Petersburg, Russia. It revolves around Rodion Raskolnikov, an impoverished and intellectually gifted former student who formulates a theory that some individuals are morally justified in committing crimes for the greater good of society. Raskolnikov puts this theory to the test by murdering an old pawnbroker and her half-sister, leading to a profound exploration of his psychological and emotional struggles with guilt, paranoia, and the consequences of his actions. The novel delves into socio-economic disparities, moral dilemmas, and the psychology of criminals, making it a classic of Russian literature and existential thought.

Set during the English Reformation, 'Wolf Hall' brings to life the opulent and brutal world of the Tudors. The novel focuses on Thomas Cromwell, who rises from humble origins to become a powerful advisor to King Henry VIII. It explores themes of ambition, power, politics, religion, identity, and loyalty and betrayal, all set against the backdrop of Henry VIII's desire to marry Anne Boleyn and break from the Roman Catholic Church. Mantel's vivid imagery and sensory details create a rich sense of time and place, making historical characters relatable to contemporary readers.

The book tells the story of Evelyn Hugo, a reclusive Hollywood movie icon who, at the age of 79, decides to reveal the true story of her life to unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant. Evelyn's life is chronicled through her seven marriages, her rise to fame in the 1950s, and her struggles with identity, love, and the harsh realities of being a Cuban and bisexual woman in a repressive culture. The novel explores themes of ambition, friendship, and forbidden love, and how Evelyn's life intersects with Monique's in tragic and irreversible ways.

Demon Copperhead is a powerful and emotionally engaging novel that tells the story of Damon Fields, a boy born to a teenage single mother in a trailer home in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia. The novel, inspired by Charles Dickens' 'David Copperfield', follows Demon's journey through the challenges of foster care, child labor, derelict schools, athletic success, addiction, and disastrous loves. Kingsolver vividly portrays the opioid epidemic's impact on rural communities and explores themes of love, survival, and the transformative power of storytelling. The narrative is delivered through Demon's unsparing and authentic voice, which brings to life the harsh realities and the resilience of the people in Appalachia.

Published in 1938, 'Rebecca' is a classic Gothic suspense novel by Daphne du Maurier. The story follows a young, unnamed narrator who meets and marries Maxim de Winter, a wealthy widower, in Monte Carlo. Upon returning to his ancestral estate, Manderley, she finds herself haunted by the memory of his first wife, Rebecca. The novel explores themes of jealousy, psychological realism, and the struggle between the living and the dead. As the narrator navigates her new life, she uncovers dark secrets about Rebecca's past and the true nature of her death, leading to a dramatic and suspenseful climax.

In this book, Paul Barolsky examines the role of wit and humor in Italian Renaissance art, providing insights into the artistic and cultural context of the period. The work delves into how artists of the Renaissance used humor and wit in their creations, reflecting the broader cultural and social attitudes of the time.